India moved from being a colonized to an independent nation in 1947, when it was also partitioned.
I was born in independent India, but my family's roots are in the province of Sindh, which became part of the newly-created nation of Pakistan at the time of Independence and Partition. That these two neighbours must move from hostility and enmity to friendship and partnership remains a strong conviction with me, and one that has led to taking opportunities to meet, dialogue and build bridges with those from across the border.
In the early-to-mid-1960s, along with several other young persons in India, I encountered Moral Re-Armament, now Initiatives of Change. By that time, the thrill of freedom was yielding place to disillusionment and cynicism over the corruption and callousness one saw all around.
That encounter led not just to a sharpening of conscience, but to a belief that change within - and between - nations could be possible. In subsequent years, though, I have learnt that the struggle for democracy, justice, human rights and for the freedom of individuals, is a continuing one.
